Echo Show 5 Vs 8 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Technology

Echo Show 5 & 8 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, & design. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Echo Show 8 rather than Echo Show 5.

Why Do I Recommend Echo Show 8

  • The Echo Show 8’s 8-inch HD screen provides a better experience for streaming and video calls than the 5.5-inch screen on the Echo Show 5.
  • Its 13 MP camera with auto-framing ensures high-quality images and videos, delivering sharper and clearer visuals & keeping the subject centered in the frame. But the Echo Show 5’s 2 MP camera is basic and lacks the auto-framing.
  • Echo Show 8 features dual 2.0” speakers with a passive bass radiator, delivering rich and more immersive audio experience than the single speaker on the Echo Show 5.
  • The Show 8’s ability to play 720p HD videos makes it better suited for media consumption, especially when streaming Prime Video or Netflix. The Echo Show 5 has a smaller screen with a 480p resolution.
  • Additionally, The Echo Show 8 features a MediaTek MT 8183 processor providing fast processing, while the Echo Show 8 uses MediaTek MT 8169 B.

Maybe the Echo Show 5 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Echo Show 8. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

Feature Echo Show 8 Echo Show 5
Display Size and Resolution 8-inch HD (1280 x 800) touchscreen 5.5-inch (960 x 480) touchscreen
Camera 13 MP with auto-framing and wide-angle lens 2 MP camera with basic functionality
Speakers Dual 2.0″ speakers with passive bass radiator, 10W output 1.65″ full-range speaker, 4W output
Audio Processing Dolby processing, stereo sound No Dolby, mono sound
Processor MediaTek MT 8183 MediaTek MT 8169D
Video Calling and Conferencing Supports Zoom, auto-framing Supports Zoom, no auto-framing
Video Playback 720p HD video playback on a larger screen 480p SD video playback
Touch Interface Larger, easier to navigate Smaller, limited touch interface
Dimensions 7.9” x 5.4” x 3.9” (larger and bulkier) 5.8” x 3.4” x 2.9” (smaller and more compact)
Weight 1037g (2.28 lbs) 456g (1 lb)
Price Check Show 8 Price Check Show 5 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Voice Assistant (Alexa): Both devices are powered by Alexa, Amazon’s voice assistant. This means they both offer hands-free voice control for a wide range of functions, including playing music, answering questions, setting reminders, controlling smart home devices, and more. The Alexa experience is consistent across both devices, providing the same level of voice interaction.
  • Smart Home Control: Both the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 5 are compatible with the Alexa smart home ecosystem, which means they can control devices like lights, doorbells, cameras, and thermostats from brands that support Alexa integration. This makes both devices equally effective as smart home hubs.
  • Touchscreen Interaction: Both models feature a capacitive touchscreen. This allows users to interact with on-screen elements, such as adjusting smart home devices, pausing or playing media, and scrolling through weather forecasts or news updates. The touch functionality is smooth and responsive on both devices, despite their difference in size.
  • Streaming Services: The Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 5 both support popular streaming platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, and YouTube, making them versatile for video content consumption. This similarity means users can enjoy their favorite shows on either device, though the Echo Show 8 offers a larger screen for a better viewing experience.
  • Privacy Features: Both devices include privacy-focused features, such as a built-in camera cover to block the camera when not in use, and a microphone/camera off button to disable audio and video capture. These features help ensure users’ privacy, no matter which device they choose.
  • Video Calling: With Zoom and Alexa-to-Alexa video calling available on both models, users can stay connected with friends, family, or colleagues. This feature functions similarly across both devices, though the Echo Show 8 offers better video quality due to its superior camera.
  • Ambient EQ and Adaptive Display: Both models are equipped with ambient EQ, which adjusts the display’s brightness based on the room’s lighting conditions. This ensures that the screen is always visible but not too bright in dim environments. This feature works similarly on both devices, adapting seamlessly to changes in light.
  • Bluetooth Connectivity: The Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 5 support Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to pair them with external Bluetooth speakers or headphones. This gives flexibility for enhancing sound output or enjoying media privately, with no difference in Bluetooth functionality between the two devices.
  • Wi-Fi Connectivity: Both devices offer dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), ensuring they stay connected to the internet, providing fast and reliable access to Alexa services, streaming, and smart home controls.
  • Drop-In and Intercom: Both devices allow for Drop-In, an Alexa feature that lets users instantly connect to other Alexa-enabled devices for voice or video conversations, essentially acting as an intercom. This is especially useful for communicating between rooms in a home or checking in on loved ones remotely.
  • Timers, Alarms, and Reminders: Both devices are excellent for setting and managing timers, alarms, and reminders, especially in the kitchen or bedroom. These features are similarly customizable on both models, allowing users to tailor sounds and alerts to their preferences.

Common Features

Feature Echo Show 8 Echo Show 5
Voice Assistant Alexa Alexa
Smart Home Control Yes, supports Alexa smart home ecosystem Yes, supports Alexa smart home ecosystem
Touchscreen Capacitive touchscreen Capacitive touchscreen
Streaming Services Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and more Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and more
Privacy Features Built-in camera cover, microphone/camera off button Built-in camera cover, microphone/camera off button
Video Calling Supports video calls with Alexa and Zoom Supports video calls with Alexa and Zoom
Built-in Speakers Yes, with Alexa music and media playback Yes, with Alexa music and media playback
Ambient EQ (Adaptive Display) Yes, adjusts brightness based on room lighting Yes, adjusts brightness based on room lighting
Bluetooth Connectivity Yes, supports Bluetooth for pairing devices Yes, supports Bluetooth for pairing devices
Wi-Fi Connectivity 802.11ac Wi-Fi (dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz) 802.11ac Wi-Fi (dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz)
Drop In (Alexa Communication) Yes, supports Drop In for direct communication Yes, supports Drop In for direct communication
Voice and Visual Responses Provides visual responses to Alexa commands Provides visual responses to Alexa commands
Timers, Alarms, and Reminders Yes, with customizable settings Yes, with customizable settings
Photo Display and Slideshow Displays photos from Amazon Photos and other services Displays photos from Amazon Photos and other services
Third-Party Skills Access to thousands of Alexa skills Access to thousands of Alexa skills
Drop-In and Intercom Yes, supports Drop-In and intercom features Yes, supports Drop-In and intercom features
Weather Forecasts Yes, displays weather forecasts visually Yes, displays weather forecasts visually
Shopping Lists Yes, voice-activated shopping list creation Yes, voice-activated shopping list creation
Price Check Show 8 Price Check Show 5 Price

FAQ

Q: Do both the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 5 have Alexa voice assistant?
A: Yes, both the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 5 are equipped with Alexa, Amazon’s voice assistant. They both allow hands-free control for tasks like playing music, setting reminders, controlling smart home devices, answering questions, and much more.

Q: Can I control my smart home devices using both the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 5?
A: Yes, both devices are fully compatible with the Alexa smart home ecosystem. This means you can control smart home devices such as lights, cameras, thermostats, and more, using voice commands or the touch display on either device.

Q: Do both devices have a touchscreen?
A: Yes, both the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 5 have capacitive touchscreens. You can interact with on-screen elements, adjust smart home settings, browse content, and more by simply tapping or swiping on the display.

Q: What streaming services are available on both devices?
A: Both the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 5 support a wide range of popular streaming services, including Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and others. This allows you to watch your favorite TV shows, movies, and videos on both devices.

Q: Do both devices offer privacy controls like a camera cover?
A: Yes, both the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 5 come with built-in privacy features. This includes a physical camera cover that slides over the camera lens to ensure privacy, as well as a button to disable the microphone and camera when not in use.

Q: Can I make video calls with both the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 5?
A: Yes, both devices support video calls through Alexa and Zoom. You can make Alexa-to-Alexa calls or join Zoom meetings directly from either device. However, the Echo Show 8 offers a higher-quality camera for better video clarity.

Q: Do both devices support Bluetooth connectivity?
A: Yes, both the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 5 support Bluetooth. You can pair either device with external Bluetooth speakers or headphones for enhanced audio playback or private listening.

Q: Do both the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 5 have Wi-Fi connectivity?
A: Yes, both devices support dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), ensuring they have fast and reliable internet connectivity for streaming content, smart home control, and Alexa services.

Q: Can I use both devices to set timers, alarms, and reminders?
A: Yes, both the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 5 can be used to set timers, alarms, and reminders. These features are highly customizable, making them useful in the kitchen, bedroom, or office.

Q: Do both devices have an adaptive display feature?
A: Yes, both the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 5 come with Ambient EQ, which adjusts the brightness of the display based on the lighting conditions in the room. This ensures that the screen remains visible but not too bright.

Q: Can I display my photos on both devices?
A: Yes, both devices can be used as digital photo frames. They can display photos from Amazon Photos or other connected services, turning your Echo Show into a personalized display of your favorite memories.

Q: Do both devices have access to Alexa skills?
A: Yes, both the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 5 can access the full range of Alexa skills. This includes games, productivity tools, smart home automation, and other third-party skills that can extend the functionality of both devices.

Q: Do both devices support the Drop-In feature?
A: Yes, both the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 5 support the Drop-In feature. This allows you to instantly connect with other Alexa-enabled devices for voice or video communication, acting as an intercom within your home or with other contacts.

Q: Can both devices display weather forecasts?
A: Yes, both the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 5 provide visual weather forecasts when you ask Alexa. They will display detailed information about current weather conditions and upcoming forecasts on the screen.

Q: Can I create shopping lists on both devices?
A: Yes, you can create and manage shopping lists using voice commands on both the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 5. The items you add to your list will be displayed on the screen for easy tracking and management.

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